Provide a photo for the card (initial card only)

Once you’re accepted in a program and have enrolled in courses, submit a photo to create your student card. We require a photo only to initially issue your uOttawa student card. You’ll use the same card throughout your studies.

Don’t discard your card as you’ll need it in the future. A fee applies for issuing a replacement card.

Receive an email when your card is ready to pick up

Once your card is created, you’ll receive an email in your uOttawa account. 

To pick up your card, provide valid government-issued identification. If you’ve previously obtained a student card and need a replacement due to a legal name change, present two pieces of ID from the list and get your new card in person at InfoService in Tabaret Hall (TBT):

• Passport
• Nexus card
• Driver’s licence
• Indian Status Card
• Ontario BYID card issued by the LCBO
• Federal government employee ID
• Provincial government employee ID
• Municipal government employee ID
• Ontario photo ID
• Canadian permanent resident card
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Birth certificate
• Affidavit

Credit cards and other forms of ID are not accepted.

Students moving into residence

Your student uOttawa card will be your residence access card! If you have NOT submitted your photo online before August 4, 2025 you may experience delays when moving into residence.

Residents who DON’T HAVE a uOttawa card

Students who are moving into residence in Fall 2025 will receive their uOttawa card upon residence move-in.

If you were not able to submit your photo online, you will need to go get your uOttawa Card during the fall distribution PRIOR to your move-in arrival time. 

Residents who HAVE a uOttawa card

If you already have a uOttawa card, you must bring it with your during your residence move-in period so we can activate your uOttawa card to give you access to your building/room. This process can only be done during your move-in time.

If you have problems with any of the steps or have any questions, email the uOttawa Card Service at [email protected].

Before you pick-up a uOttawa card that was ordered online, please wait to receive the email letting you know that your uOttawa card was printed and is ready to be picked up. To pick up your card, provide valid government-issued identification. 

NOTE: If your photo is pending or approved, please wait to receive the email saying that your card has been printed.  We will be printing uOttawa cards in early August. 

• Before August 21, 2025: student cards will be ready at the Assignment and uOttawa Card Services (90 University Private, room 145). You will need to enter the virtual line through QLESS to pick up your card.
• From August 21, 2025 to September 26, 2025: student cards will be ready at the University Centre (UCU 031).
• As of Monday September 29: student cards will be at the Assignment and uOttawa Card Services (90 University Private, room 145). You will need to enter the virtual line through QLESS.

uOttawa student card distribution dates

The University strongly recommends that all incoming students submit their photo online. Just make sure that the photo meets the photo requirements. Once your card has been printed, you will receive an email to let you know that your card is ready to be picked up. Please make sure to check your spam inbox!

Please note:

• We reserve the right to modify the schedule below based on operational needs, we therefore strongly recommend that students consult the table prior to making their way onto campus.
• Closing time is not based on the time you arrive; it’s based on the time we close; therefore, provide ample time to arrive if you want to get your card. We recommend coming in the morning as it’s not as busy. 

From August 21, 2025 to September 26, 2025: uOttawa student cards will be ready at the University Centre (UCU031).

Learn how to submit an online photo or schedule an in-person photo for your card.

Photo requirements

Ensure you meet the requirements. Otherwise, your photo will be rejected and you’ll have to submit a new one, causing delays in obtaining your student card. Photo requirements mirror those of passport photo submissions.

• The bottom edge of the photo should be at shoulder height.
• Look straight into the camera. Your face should be in the centre of the photo, both horizontally and vertically.
• The picture should be clear, in colour and of good quality. No filters.
• You must be the only person in the photo.
• You must not be wearing a graduation cap, gown or costume.
• The background should be plain white or light gray.
• Nothing should be touching your face, including your hands.
• You can wear tinted prescription glasses so long as your eyes are clearly visible.
• No sunglasses or headgear can be worn.
• All religious head coverings must allow for your full face to be visible.
• Your photo must be current (taken in the last six months).

If you don’t need to use a lost card immediately, wait a few days prior to submitting a replacement request, in case your card is found. You can deactivate a lost card to prevent any funds being used and, if found, you can reactivate it.

If your lost card is returned to the uOttawa Card Service team, you’ll be contacted via email. Contact uOttawa Protection Servicesto see if your card has been returned to the lost and found office.

To obtain a new card, make an appointment with the uOttawa Card Service. A $42 replacement fee applies, and your old card will be fully deactivated, meaning you won’t be able to reactivate it.

If your card isn’t working, bring it to the uOttawa Card Service. If the card has been damaged, rendering the smart card defective, you must pay the non-refundable $42 replacement fee and the service will retain the non-working card to issue the replacement.

If you find a lost card, return it to the uOttawa Card Service.

The uOttawa Card Service is located at 90 University, Room 145. Make an appointment with uOttawa Card Service.